Abstract
The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida, Murray) is a major pest of honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies, particularly in the Southeastern USA. We evaluated the small hive beetle’s (SHB) response to different wavelengths of the light spectrum and found that SHB larvae and adults were most attracted to the 390 nm wavelength. Early instar larvae were not significantly attracted to light, while wandering larvae and adults exhibited strong positive phototaxis. The light response of the nonfeeding larval stage indicates readiness to leave a hive and search for pupation locations. Laboratory competitive trapping trials showed that light increased trap catches more than ten-fold for adults and twenty-fold for larvae compared to traps without light. Field trials demonstrated different features of photo attraction; at field sites, hanging traps with light-emitting diodes incorporated into the capture area did not capture more adults than control traps. Light traps in enclosed spaces effectively trapped both adults and larvae. Light shows promise for beetle control in locations where comb is stored or honey extracted.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
